On August 4, 2005, a Maule M-4-220C (registration N2020U) was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During the landing ground roll, the airplane veered right, the pilot lost directional control, and the right main landing gear collapsed, causing the right wing to contact the runway.
Incident Overview
The airplane experienced a ground loop during the landing ground roll. The pilot had conducted a normal approach and configured the airplane for a three-point landing. The airplane touched down on the runway centerline and transitioned to a landing roll.
Loss of Directional Control
As the pilot was about to apply brake pressure, the airplane suddenly veered to the right of the runway centerline, and the pilot lost directional control. The right main landing gear subsequently collapsed, and the right wing contacted the runway surface.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.